ROBOTMAK3RS Blog

There's been something going around for a long time now, and I was just answering yet another question aimed at it over on NXTasy, but I thought I'd voice it here (hey, what are blogs for, right?). A number of folks seem "cheated" or upset that you can't build the same models with the 1.0 kit as you can with the 2.0. Or the reverse ("we want a 2.0 to 1.0 backwards compatibility upgrade"). Or they complain that LEGO should really offer a "parts pack" that allows owners of just the 1.0/2.0 kit to build all the robots in a particular book (a very common comment). Why? I'm not saying "why do you want this" - that's pretty obvious (I'd love it as well). I'm not asking if this is financially viable or workable in terms of production and stock issues (what I know about those factors wouldn't fill a 2x4 brick). I'm asking "why do users seem to feel entitled to this, and repeatedly demand this?". It's fun...

Now, this is a busy day on THE NXT STEP, isn't it? We seldom have no less than four postings on one single day... Remember Bill Shaw's announcement of selling an unofficial NXT 1 to NXT 2.0 upgrade kit ? He has now updated the site to contain a list of parts that are included in it. Thanks Bill. Everyone: what do you think of it?

Right now we are in an interesting situation in that you can still buy the original NXT retail set (8527) or order the new NXT 2.0 kit (8547). I have been getting questions about which one to buy, and also what it will mean to have one kit along with project instructions intended for the other kit. LEGO was kind enough to provide me with a pre-release version of the NXT 2.0 kit, which I have been working with for while now, so here is some information, opinions, and recommendations that may help. I will abbreviate NXT 2.0 as NXT2 and the original NXT (8527) as NXT1. 1. First off, I will say that comparing NXT2 to NXT1 when “free building” projects of my own design using only the contents of one kit, I do prefer NXT2. Treads are a welcome addition, the Zamor (small ball) shooter is fun, the color sensor is a very nice upgrade from the light sensor, having two touch sensors is very useful and worth giving up the sound sensor for, and the software has some nice additions. Also, over...

When we ordered our first NXT set two years ago, we noticed that the kit was missing four parts. We called LEGO and they quickly shipped us the new parts. Now, if you have a missing part or two in your new kit, you can order them online--a more convenient option for most of us. Last year, we lost one of the instruction manuals for our NXT set. Previously, replacing the missing manual would have involved calling LEGO and waiting for the manual to arrive in the mail. Now, you can just download replacement manuals from LEGO's web site, including the NXT's main manual and the "quickstart" manual for the tribot. The link to LEGO's new customer service site is here .

In my experience, the tan axle pin is the element most likely to be damaged when I'm teaching with the NXT or another Technic set. As best I can tell, my students damage the pin tips when they are trying to remove it from another part, especially if they use their teeth (shudder). Bent axle pins won't spin freely in a Technic hole, and they won't grip a hole well enough to stay in place. If the axle side is stuck in a gear or a beam, you can use an axle to push it out from the other side. That's not an option with a number of Technic connectors, like the one shown in the photo above. Sometimes, I can get a fingernail between the collar of the axle pin and the connector, but not always. If I put something in the pin, like an antenna, I can grip the pin and pull it out easier. The antenna prevents the pin tips from getting crushed when I squeeze the pin half of the axle pin. update: The below picture from the building instruction of box 8842 shows how LEGO recommen...

On the theme of making use of unique parts, how have you used this part in your NXT projects? Do you find it useful? Do you wish this part become more available?